Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, ADHD, and Attention-Deficit Disorder, ADD, are conditions that affect both children and adults. Yet, many follow the stereotype that it is only a real problem in children and adults are just making excuses. The reality is that more people struggle with ADHD than people realize. Some people may have it and not even realize it.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, finds that in 2016 2.4 children from ages 6 to 11 years of age and 3.3 million children ages 12 to 17 had ADHD. While most children may receive treatment for ADHD at a young age, many others will grow up with the symptoms and never receive effective treatment. Our treatment can help to build healthy methods for facing this condition and the symptoms in daily life.
While many people assume ADHD is solely an issue with focusing on one thing for long periods of time, there is much more to this condition. Signs of ADHD can vary per patient, especially between children and adults. While both age groups will display signs of hyperactivity, impulsiveness and a lack of attention to detail, there are also other issues that can manifest. It is important to note that everyone, regardless of age, will display some level of symptoms of ADHD from time to time. Experiencing some of these symptoms once in a while is not an immediate cause for treatment.
However, patients who experience an overwhelming level of symptoms to the point that daily tasks are impossible will need to seek professional treatment. Signs of adult ADHD include:
Adults with ADHD may have difficulty in the workplace when meeting deadlines or social interaction. In other cases, people may also struggle to deal with impulses of impatience and quick outbursts of anger. Part of the way that people seek treatment for ADHD is by noticing these symptoms occurring regularly. Part of the reason it is crucial to seek professional treatment is that ADHD symptoms can also appear in other mental health conditions, causing a misdiagnosis.
Treatment for ADHD in adults is fairly similar to treatment for children. Adults may take various forms of medication to help with the symptoms. Since each patient is unique, each patient will most likely take certain amounts of different medications. While medication can help, it will not give patients the methods they need to work through and cope with the symptoms of ADHD.
Thus, Eileen Wachter, MD, provides psychotherapy with adult ADHD treatment. This therapy can help patients with ADHD to:
This therapy will help patients to identify the negative behavior and emotions of ADHD that hinder their lives. Once we identify these issues, we can begin to help the patient develop techniques for dealing with these issues in everyday situations. Over time, the patient will be able to regain control over his or her life and beat many of the symptoms of ADHD.
We understand that patients may have a lot of questions about ADHD, symptoms and what treatment will entail. Here are a few common questions and their answers.
How Do I Know if I have ADHD?
While people can experience minor ADHD symptoms from time to time, people with ADHD will experience the symptoms on a regular basis. In many cases, people will not know what to call it until they receive a diagnosis from a professional.
Is Medication the Best Treatment?
This answer varies on the severity of ADHD in the patient and if the patient is struggling with other disorders. Medication through a prescription from a medical professional can help to control and reduce symptoms, but it will not give patients the skills and tools to move past the issues causing symptoms. We can help to do that and more with therapy.
How Will Therapy Help Me?
We will customize the therapy to your needs. If there is a specific symptom or area of life that you are struggling with, then we will start there. For instance, a patient struggling with meeting deadlines at work will need a strategy for better organization and time management skills.
How Long Will the Treatment Take?
Each individual appointment will vary per patient and scheduling. The overall treatment process will also vary greatly on the patient’s needs. The most effective way to determine the treatment schedule is to meet for a consultation meeting and then develop one from there.
How Did I get ADHD in the First Place?
The causes of ADHD are not entirely clear. However, we can isolate certain factors that cause ADHD including genetics, environmental factors and issues during development. The important fact to remember is that we can help to conquer the symptoms with treatment.
If you have any questions about our ADHD treatment or are interested in scheduling an appointment, give us a call today.
Eileen Wachter, MD is located at
157 East 86th Street #470
New York, NY
10028.